India: On-Arrival Transit Visas May Soon Be Available

Aiming to entice stopover travelers to stay longer and spend more, officials are considering allowing foreign tourists to obtain a transit visa on-arrival. Travelers en route to Southeast Asia or Dubai often stop briefly in New Delhi, but, lacking an Indian tourist visa, they may spend only a few hours—and minimal cash—confined in the airport. Proponents of the plan hope that a 48- to 72-hour transit visa would encourage such visitors to zip down to the Taj Mahal, if they wish, or tour some of the major attractions in the capital. If the proposal is approved, transit visas could be available in Delhi and Mumbai airports within the next few months.